N.Z. COINS PLEASE NUMISMATIST

Grey River Argus, 16 November 1948, Page 3

N.Z. COINS PLEASE NUMISMATIST

AUCKLAND,. Nov. 15 Although in some ways it was a pity to lose old historical and heialdic forms, the modern natural symbolism on New Zealand coins was more easily appreciated and understood by the average person, said Mr Harold Mattingly, one of the world s leading authorities on coins and medals, who arrived by air from Sydney to-day. Mr Mattingly, who recently retired from the position of assistant keeper of the departmental coins and medals at the British Mueum, has just concluded a term of five years as president of the Royal Numismatic Society. “On the whole, I rather like the New Zealand designs,” said Mr Mattingly. He felt, however, that the ideal type of coin was one combining heraldic form and modern symbolism. Not all people understood the idiom of the older forms, however. and the modern symbolism rm the New Zealand coinage was direct and spoke to everyone. During his stay in New Zealand he will meet museum authorities and representatives of the Royal Z'. land Numismatic Society. With the aid of lantern slides he will lecture in the Dominion. . Mr Mattingly said the New Zealand societv was a very live organisation which had recently been granted a royal charter.